PE vs PLA Coated Paper Cups: What's the Difference?
A plain explanation of the two coating options available on PrintForm cups and what to consider for each.
PE is a widely used barrier coating that helps protect the cup from moisture. PLA is a plant-derived coating option. How a used cup should be handled depends on the coating and on local waste-management infrastructure.
What a coating does
Paper alone cannot hold a hot liquid for long. A thin barrier coating on the inside keeps the cup structurally sound through the drink.
PE coating
PE is the conventional and most widely used option. It is well proven for hot beverage service and readily available.
PLA coating
PLA is derived from plant material and is available for businesses looking for an alternative to conventional PE-coated cups. Contact us to discuss availability and specifications.
Disposal depends on where you are
Acceptance in recycling or commercial composting streams is set locally by the facilities that process the material, not by the cup manufacturer. Check the accepted materials list published by your local waste provider before making claims to your customers.
Questions about your own order? Request a free quote and our team will reply with pricing for your configuration.
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